Blower Door Test in Bala Cynwyd, PA

Detect hidden air leaks and improve efficiency with professional blower door test in Bala Cynwyd, PA. Our certified experts assist homeowners, builders, and contractors in improving comfort, sealing leaks, and meeting PA energy code requirements.

What Is A Blower Door Test?

A blower door test helps determine the air changes per hour to confirm that your home has sufficient fresh air replacement. When the air changes too often, energy efficiency drops since the system must continuously reheat or recool the air inside. Excessive air changes can bring drafts and air leakage discomfort while promoting moisture buildup, mold, and condensation. A blower door test in Bala Cynwyd, PA makes it easier to locate leaks and inefficiencies early, ensuring lasting comfort and reduced energy waste.

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How Is A Blower Door Test Conducted?

To carry out blower door test in Bala Cynwyd, PA, exterior doors and windows are fully closed, and interior doors are left open for even air distribution in the home. One central exterior entry is selected, and an aluminum frame with a flexible fabric panel is installed securely. A calibrated fan is installed onto the frame, creating a pressure difference of 50 Pascals, comparable to a continuous 20 mph wind blowing on the home.

When the fan starts pulling air out, external air enters through the smallest cracks and leakage points. With the help of a nanometer, we determine the pressure difference between the fan’s airflow and the home’s internal conditions. These readings produce the air changes per hour (ACH) value, indicating both the home’s airtightness and efficiency within the PA climate.

What Is A Passing Blower Door Test Score?

In Bala Cynwyd, PA, homes generally must comply with the requirements of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or newer editions enforced by local authorities. In most regions, homes must achieve 3 air changes per hour or less on a blower door test to meet energy efficiency standards. Satisfying this requirement in your blower door test in Bala Cynwyd, PA helps optimize energy use and ensures you meet local building standards.

Why Do I Need A Blower Door Test?

PA state regulations and many municipalities abide by the IECC, enforcing blower door tests for newly constructed or renovated homes. Our team frequently assists home builders, contractors, and homeowners performing blower door test in Bala Cynwyd, PA to verify compliance and secure permit approval. You may be required to perform a duct leakage test if HVAC components are situated outside the home’s thermal envelope. Learn more about energy code compliance.

Using blower door test in Bala Cynwyd, PA, homeowners can detect unwanted airflow. The depressurization process reveals leaks, helping them seal gaps and increase comfort. A blower door test usually takes just a few hours but delivers a long-lasting impact on your home’s comfort, performance, and efficiency—particularly during PA’ hot summers and cool winters.

How To Pass A Blower Door Test:

  • Anticipate potential air leaks before testing begins.
  • Use a reliable air barrier like Tyvek or Zip Sheathing and make sure all seams are securely taped.
  • Install insulation that meets the required R-value and check that it’s evenly and securely placed throughout the building envelope.
  • Seal all penetrations in exterior walls using caulk or spray foam.
  • Ensure doors and windows are properly installed, caulked, and weather-sealed.
  • Make sure to seal all separations between conditioned and unconditioned areas, including crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
  • Building departments typically release step-by-step compliance lists — download the Philadelphia sample here as an example.
  • Local Energy Audits is equipped with thermal imaging tools, caulk, and spray foam to find and seal air leaks immediately on-site./li>
  • Over 90% of cases result in a passing score within two hours, along with complete permit documentation.

Preparing for a Blower Door Test in Bala Cynwyd, PA

When preparing for blower door test in Bala Cynwyd, PA, we first switch off the home’s heating, cooling, and exhaust systems. Next, we check the home thoroughly to ensure all exterior openings — even those leading to garages or unfinished basements — are securely closed and within the thermal envelope. After sealing the home, we install the blower door frame and fan in a central exterior doorway. The fan depressurizes the home to 50 Pascals to provide accurate airflow and leakage readings. When the home reaches negative pressure, outside air infiltrates through openings, making leaks visible. Using a thermal imager, we locate inefficiencies by observing temperature differences in walls, ceilings, and surfaces separating conditioned and unconditioned areas. We carry all necessary materials, including chalk, spray foam, and weatherstripping, to collaborate with homeowners or contractors on visible air leakage repairs during testing. After completing sealing improvements, we retest immediately to ensure the desired blower door score is met and the home complies with efficiency standards in Bala Cynwyd, PA.

Blower Door Test for Contractors in Bala Cynwyd, PA

When contractors perform blower door test in Bala Cynwyd, PA, minor issues in professionally insulated homes can usually be resolved during the inspection. With chalk and spray foam on hand, our crew can seal small leaks or gaps almost instantly. In over 90% of cases, we reach a passing blower door test score in two hours and issue the required documentation for quick permit closure.

Schedule Your blower door test in Bala Cynwyd, PA

Get fast, reliable, and certified blower door test in Bala Cynwyd, PA from our experienced and trusted team. Whether you’re a homeowner focused on efficiency or a contractor working to close a permit, we ensure each test is conducted with precision and meets all energy code standards.